Brazilian Species Research Articles

Nematostatic activity of isoprenylated guanidine alkaloids from Pterogyne nitens and their interaction with acetylcholinesterase

Although new nematicides have appeared, the demand for new products less toxic and more efficient for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes are still high. Consequently, studies on natural secondary metabolites from plants, to develop new nematicides, have increased. In this work, nineteen extracts from eleven Brazilian plant species were screened for activity against Meloidogyne incognita. Among them, the extracts of Piterogyne nitens showed a potent nematostatic activity. The alkaloid fraction obtained from the ethanol extract of leaves of P. nitens was more active than the coming extract. Due to the promising activity from the alkaloid fraction, three isoprenylated guanidine alkaloids isolated from this fraction, galegine (1), pterogynidine (2), and pterogynine (3) were tested, showing similar activity to the alkaloid fraction, which was comparable to that of the positive control Temik at 250 μg/mL. At lower concentrations (125−50 μg/mL), compound 2 showed to be the most active one. As several nematicides act through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the guanidine alkaloids were also employed in two in vitro AChE assays. In both cases, compound 2 was more active than compounds 1 and 3. Its activity was considered moderated compared to the control (physostigmine). Compound 2 was selected for an in silico study with the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) AChE, showing to bind mostly to the same site of physostigmine in the AChEs, pointing out that this could be the mechanism of action for this compound. These results suggested that the guanidine alkaloids 1,2 and 3 from P. nitens are promising for the development of new products to control M. incognita, especially guanidine 2, and encourage new investigations to confirm the mechanism of action, as well as to determine the structure-activity relationship of the guanidine alkaloids.

Atillum André, 1903 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) en Brasil: actuales y nuevos registros de distribución geográfica

Popularly known as “witch ants” or “velvet ants”, mutillids are solitary ectoparasitoids wasps of immature insects. Atillum André, 1903, is a genus endemic to South America composed of 49 valid species. This study was motivated by the inconsistency of the available information, where, depending on the consulted bibliography, the number of Atillum species in Brazil varies. This contribution aims to reduce the knowledge gap on this genus, verifying the real number of species that comprise it and which actually inhabit Brazil. The specialized bibliography for Mutillidae and Atillum was consulted, in addition to carrying out an exhaustive consultation of the specialized bibliography. Additionally, to validate some of the records found, Atillum specimens deposited in the main collections that house this group were examined. As a result, records were found for ten Atillum species in Brazil, nine of which were confirmed as present in the country, and unpublished records of presence of Atillum and Atillum bucephalum (Perty, 1833) in four Brazilian states and eight municipalities located in the Northeastern region of the country

New record of Vitex orinocensis Kunth (Lamiaceae) for the state of Ceará, Brazil: insights on its conservation

We report the first record of Vitex orinocensis Kunth (Lamiaceae) from Ceará state, northeastern Brazil. This species was collected in an upland Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. This occurrence adds new information about the flora of Ceará and expands the geographic range of this species in Brazil, which is important for its conservation. We provide taxonomic information, distribution map, implications for its conservation status, photographs, and a identification key for the Vitex Tour. ex L. species from Ceará.

New information on the breeding biology of fifteen Brazilian bird species

Although birds are a well-studied group, the breeding biology of many species is still poorly known, especially in the Neotropical region. This lack of knowledge implies the absence of subsidies for conservation, lack of more reliable data for phylogenetic reconstruction, and for studying the effects of environmental change on these species. In view of this scenario we collected information on the reproduction of 15 bird species in 16 Brazilian locations from February 2003 to December 2021. This article presents new data on the nests, eggs, juveniles/nestlings and/or breeding behavior of Veniliornis spilogaster (Picidae), Philydor atricapillus (Furnariidae), Myiobius barbatus (Onychorhynchidae), Tityra semifasciata (Tityridae), Phylloscartes paulista (Rhynchocyclidae), Phylloscartes oustaleti (Rhynchocyclidae), Elaenia obscura sordida (Tyrannidae), Tyrannus albogularis (Tyrannidae), Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Tyrannidae), Icterus pyrrhopterus (Icteridae), Nemosia pileata caerulea (Thraupidae), Trichothraupis melanops (Thraupidae), Thlypopsis sordida (Thraupidae), Cyanophonia cyanocephala (Fringillidae) and Chlorophonia cyanea roraimae (Fringillidae). We include new data on parental care for six species, descriptions of nests for eight species, and new information on nest building behavior for five species. This data is of special interest for the management of these species and their habitats and for the reconstruction of their phylogenetic relationships.

Spatial variability of dendrometric parameters in a native tree Mabea fistulifera Mart. and its relationship with soil physical properties

Mabea fistulifera Mart. (common name: canudo-de-pito) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a native tree species in Brazil showing a high potential to recover degraded lands. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and spatial correlation between the dendrometric parameters of the M. fistulifera plants and the physical attributes of the soil through geostatistics. The study was carried out at the Paulista State University (UNESP), in the city of Selvíria, MS, Brazil, in a typical dystrophic Red Oxisol with a clayey texture. The following properties were analyzed: for soil, penetration resistance, gravimetric moisture, particle density, and, for plants, circumference and diameter at breast height (measured at 130 cm above the ground), tree height, and total volume of the tree. An experiment grid was introduced with 35 sample points spaced 13 m x 13 m. Two soil samples were taken at each point, at 0.00 - 0.10 m and 0.10 - 0.20 m depth. Descriptive data analysis and spatial dependence analysis were carried out through semivariogram adjustments and kriging maps. The dendrometric properties of the species M. fistulifera and the soil gravimetric moisture content showed spatial dependence. The spherical semivariogram model best explained the spatial structure of circumference at breast height, diameter at breast height, tree volume, and soil gravimetric moisture. There was an emphasis on the correlation between the total volume of the tree as a function of the diameter at breast height, showing a moderate spatial dependence. Furthermore, the tree diameter at breast height proved to be a good indicator for determining the total height of the M. fistulifera tree.

Potential of charcoal from non-commercial Corymbia and Eucalyptus wood for use in the steel industry

The search for species that produce high-quality charcoal is necessary to reduce the use of non-renewable sources of energy in the steel industry. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the quality of new and non-commercial charcoal species in Brazil. Eight species of Corymbia and Eucalyptus were sampled and carbonized on a laboratory scale. The gravimetric yields of the carbonization, proximate and ultimate analysis, apparent density (AD) and energy density (ED), higher heating value (HHV), ignition (Di), and combustion (Si) indexes were determined through the curve of thermogravimetric derivative (DTG). The results suggest that C. variegata, E. longirostrata, E. major, C. henryi, and C. citriodora are competitively promising for producing charcoal for the steel industry when compared to the commercial species (E. urophylla) since they produce low reactivity charcoal (Si ∼3 × 107%2 min−2 °C−3), high energy density (>13 GJ m−3) and apparent density (>400 kg m−3). These characteristics are essential for a better energy performance, making the non-commercial species appropriate for use in Brazilian steel industry since there is a reduction on the energy consumption in the blast furnace per ton of iron produced.

Range extension of White-naped Jay, Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied-Neuwied, 1821) (Passeriformes, Corvidae), to southeastern Brazil

Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied-Neuwied, 1821), a bird endemic to Brazil, inhabits dry scrub and woodlands and the borders of tropical and riparian forests. Although C. cyanopogon is more common in central and northeastern Brazil, owing to increasing deforestation, its distribution has expanded to south. There are several records of this species outside its distribution as usually given. Here, we present the southernmost record of this species in Brazil, showing this species’ expansion to the Southeastern Region. Therefore, this new record shows the importance of surveys to fill gaps in biodiversity knowledge, especially in disturbed environments.

Chemical characterization of Brazilian savannah Byrsonima species (muricis) and their impact on genomic instability and chemopreventive effects

The identification of new drugs with few or no adverse effects is of great interest worldwide. In cancer therapy, natural products have been used as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Plants from the Brazilian savannah belonging to the Byrsonima genus are popularly known as muricis and have attracted much attention due to their various pharmacological activities. However, there are currently no data on these plants concerning their use as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents in human cell lines. The present study assessed the potential of B. correifolia, B. verbascifolia, B. crassifolia, and B. intermedia extracts as natural alternatives in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. The chemical constituents present in each extract were analyzed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MSN). The mutagenic/antimutagenic (micronucleus assay), genotoxic/antigenotoxic (comet assay), apoptotic/necrotic (acridine orange/ethidium bromide uptake), and oxidative/antioxidative (CM-H2DCFDA) effects of the extracts and their influence on gene expression (RTqPCR) were investigated in nonmetabolizing gastric (MNP01) and metabolizing hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) epithelial cells to evaluate the effects of metabolism on the biological activities of the extracts. The genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and apoptotic effects observed in HepG2 cells with B. correifolia and B. verbascifolia extracts are probably associated with the presence of proanthocyanidins and amentoflavone. In MNP01 cells, none of the four extracts showed mutagenic effects. B. crassifolia and B. intermedia extracts exhibited strong antimutagenicity and enhanced detoxification in HepG2 cells and antioxidant capacities in both types of cells, possibly due to the presence of gallic and quinic acids, which possess chemopreventive properties. This study identifies for the first time B. correifolia and B. verbascifolia extracts as potential agents against hepatocarcinoma and B. crassifolia and B. intermedia extracts as putative chemopreventive agents.

Revisiting the ambush bug genus Neoanthylla Kormilev, 1951 (Reduviidae, Phymatinae)

Neoanthylla (Kormilev, 1951) is a Neotropical genus of Phymatinae with three valid species: Neoanthylla bucki (Kormilev), Neoanthylla horvathi (Handlirsch), and Neoanthylla peruviana Kormilev. Morphologically, it is characterized by the elongated and oval profemur with the cuticular surface smooth and shiny; the procoxa long and subequal to the mesofemur; the prosternal carina long, reaching the anterior margin of the mesosternum; and the abdomen posteriorly entire. Neoanthylla species are scarcely documented in the literature, and the genital structures are unknown. In addition, the Brazilian species (N. bucki and N. horvathi) are known only by female specimens. Here, Neoanthylla is revisited, the diagnoses of the valid species are improved, images of the holotypes of N. horvathi and N. peruviana are provided, and the male of N. horvathi is described for the first time, including genital characters.

A new species of Nealiolus Mason, 1974 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Brachistinae) from Brazilian Amazon Rainforest

The genus Nealiolus Mason, 1974 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) is recorded for the first time from Brazilian Amazon, and a new species Nealiolus politus Silva, Shimbori & Fernandes sp. n. is described. In addition, we provide illustrations and an identification key to all Brazilian species of Nealiolus.

Hydraulic architecture of crown in three Brazilian species

Summary The hydraulic limitation hypothesis postulates an increase in resistance to water conductivity as trees become taller. Accordingly, we expect that the hydraulic architecture of trees shares a close relationship with the crown architecture and that anatomical traits can directly or indirectly influence hydraulic conductivity. The aim of this work was to investigate the variations in vessels, hydraulic properties and wood density of three native Brazilian tree species. We selected 40-year-old Balfourodendron riedelianum, Cariniana legalis and Handroanthus vellosoi trees and measured maximum vessel length, specific hydraulic conductivity, the percentage loss of conductivity, leaf hydraulic conductivity, and density of branches at three different positions of the crown. Variability in anatomical and hydraulic properties was mostly explained by differences between species, while small differences were related to the position of the branch along the crown-position gradient. Within the measured variables, only the maximum vessel length differed between one crown position and the other. We posit that poor differences between anatomical and hydraulic positions in the crown-position gradient could be related to sample positions within the crown, which were relatively close to each other, with branches having similar ages and diameters. Our findings demonstrate that despite growing in the same environment and having the same age, our species deploy contrasting carbon allocation and hydraulic species-specific strategies. These strategies mirror different growth performances resulting from a different trade-off between hydraulic capacity and safety.

Analytical study of the dimensional stability of tropical brazilian wood species

Brazil owns a large vegetal covering and the best utilization of these materials requires physical and mechanical characterization procedures. Equations found in the literature make easier the wood properties determination. At this context, well known authors developed the equation βl = βt/23, being βl and βt the longitudinal and tangential shrinkage percentages, for βl estimation based on the βt value specially for wood species from the Northern hemisphere. This paper aims to investigate the accuracy of this equation for fifteen tropical Brazilian wood species covering the entire range of hardwood strength classes according to the Brazilian Normative ABNT NBR7190. The average experimental values of βl and βt were 7.71% (CV = 26,71%) and 0.73% (CV = 38,76%), respectively. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA refuted the hypothesis of equivalence between theoretical and experimental βl values (p-value = 0.0000). A linear regression model fitted to experimental values provided βl = βt/9,84 as optimal solution (p-value = 0.0000, R2 = 47,23%). According to results it is possible to conclude that the value of longitudinal shrinkage percentage of tropical Brazilian wood species is statistically 2,34 times greater than the value found in the literature, which impacts the design of timber structures procedures increasing the internal stresses in timber structural elements.

Promising antioxidant activity of crude extract from Calliandra tweedii Benth

The interest in medicinal plants encourages new research studies on plant extracts, as they are sources for treatments in medicine, agriculture, and veterinary. Calliandra tweedii is a native Brazilian species with broad use in folk medicine. This study aimed to examine the leaf crude extract (CE) of C. tweedii and its methanolic (MP) and hexane (HP) phases concerning total phenolic compounds (TPC), proanthocyanidins (PRO), and flavonoid profile, and correlate it to their antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). CE and MP revealed high contents of TPC, PRO and high antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP) in relation to HP. Contrarily, HP showed reduced antioxidant activity, according to the scarce phenolic constituents obtained from the partition. Five flavonols were detected by HPLC-UV-DAD, being quercitrin the major constituent. Also, one kaempferol derivate and a series of three quercetin derivates were detected. Strong positive correlations were observed between DPPH, FRAP, and phenolic compounds. These discoveries are important to highlight the promising antioxidant activity of CE of C. tweedii, which could contribute to the expansion of popular herbal medicines and new drug discovery.

In vitro cytotoxicity and ex-vivo genotoxicity in compounds from Waltheria viscosissima A. St. Hil. Brazilian species of the Malvaceae family sensu lato

Introduction: Alternative therapies using medicinal plants and herbal medicines have been growing worldwide, as natural treatments have low cost and less toxic effect compared to conventional drugs available. Aim: To evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity and ex-vivo genotoxicity of Brazilian species of the Malvaceae family: Waltheria viscosissima A. St. Hil. In vitro methods were used to verify the cytotoxic potential through hemolytic and antihemolytic assays and the ex-vivo genotoxic analysis. Results: The Crude Etanolic Extract (CEE) and Cloroformic Fraction (CF) was obtained in vegetal sample used on this study; the CEE-Wv and CF-Wv products exhibited the lowest cytotoxic potential with hemolysis less than 40% in all concentrations evaluated. A moderate anti-hemolytic effect was described in all samples treated with 500 and 1000 μg/mL, with hemolysis <60 %. In addition, the compounds showed low ex-vivo genotoxic effect with a general index of normal cells greater than 84 % at all concentrations. Conclusion: The results suggest a low toxic profile of the compounds obtained from species of the Malvaceae family, indicating safe limits for the use of these natural products.

Dynamic of Mayaro Virus Transmission in Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes, and a Mice Model.

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is transmitted by Haemagogus spp. mosquitoes and has been circulating in Amazon areas in the North and Central West regions of Brazil since the 1980s, with an increase in human case notifications in the last 10 years. MAYV introduction in urban areas is a public health concern as infections can cause severe symptoms similar to other alphaviruses. Studies with Aedes aegypti have demonstrated the potential vector competence of the species and the detection of MAYV in urban populations of mosquitoes. Considering the two most abundant urban mosquito species in Brazil, we investigated the dynamics of MAYV transmission by Ae. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in a mice model. Mosquito colonies were artificially fed with blood containing MAYV and infection (IR) and dissemination rates (DR) were evaluated. On the 7th day post-infection (dpi), IFNAR BL/6 mice were made available as a blood source to both mosquito species. After the appearance of clinical signs of infection, a second blood feeding was performed with a new group of non-infected mosquitoes. RT-qPCR and plaque assays were carried out with animal and mosquito tissues to determine IR and DR. For Ae. aegypti, we found an IR of 97.5-100% and a DR reached 100% in both 7 and 14 dpi. While IR and DR for Cx. quinquefasciatus was 13.1-14.81% and 60% to 80%, respectively. A total of 18 mice were used (test = 12 and control = 6) for Ae. aegypti and 12 (test = 8 and control = 4) for Cx. quinquefasciatus to evaluate the mosquito-mice transmission rate. All mice that were bitten by infected Ae. aegypti showed clinical signs of infection while all mice exposed to infected Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes remained healthy. Viremia in the mice from Ae. aegypti group ranged from 2.5 × 108 to 5 × 109 PFU/mL. Ae. aegypti from the second blood feeding showed a 50% IR. Our study showed the applicability of an efficient model to complete arbovirus transmission cycle studies and suggests that the Ae. aegypti population evaluated is a competent vector for MAYV, while highlighting the vectorial capacity of Ae. aegypti and the possible introduction into urban areas. The mice model employed here is an important tool for arthropod-vector transmission studies with laboratory and field mosquito populations, as well as with other arboviruses.

Experimental and numerical analysis of specimen configurations for Cross Laminated timber on rolling shear stiffness and strength response

This work aimed to perform the numerical and experimental analysis of three test setups (bending, vertical shear, and inclined shear) of CLT used to determine the rolling shear stiffness and strength. CLT specimens were manufactured with four different Brazilian wood species and two-component polyurethane adhesive. The stress distributions in the CLT test setups were simulated by Finite Element Method using ANSYS software. Rolling shear stiffness and strength was directly proportional to wood density. The CLT stiffness differed for each test setup. CLT strength was independent of the applied test setup. The numerical models provided the stress distribution in the areas of most interest of the specimen models which justified the failure modes obtained in the experimental tests. The inclined shear specimen was the one that best represented failure by rolling shear.

Taxonomic revision of Aegognathus Leuthner, 1883 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

ABSTRACT Aegognathus Leuthner, 1883 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) is revised and redefined. With this revision, the genus is now composed by Andean species only. The Brazilian species, Aegognathus spitzi Ohaus, 1929 and Aegognathus caledoniaensis Grossi, Racca-Filho and Vaz-de-Mello, 2003, are both transferred to the genus Leptinopterus Hope, 1838 with which they share many characteristics. Aegognathus iridicolor Luederwaldt, 1935 is synonymised with Leptinopterus spitzi (Ohaus, 1929), syn. nov. A known distribution map is provided, showing that the nine species are distributed along the South American Transition Zone, six of them associated with the South Brazilian Biogeographic Dominion, and the remaining three with the Pacific Dominion. Distribution data reflects the high conservation value of all Aegognathus species as they are distributed in the Tropical Andes, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots.

Pollen morphology of selected species of native Amazonian fruit trees occurring in Brazil

Approximately 500 native edible fruits are known from Brazil with nearly 50% of these occurring in the Amazon. Pollen morphology of Brazilian plant species is poorly known yet it is important for scientific research. The aim of this study is to document the pollen morphology of 30 native edible fruit species belonging to 13 families. Following acetolysis the pollen was examined by light microscopy. Pollen grains ranged from small to very large. Prolate spheroidal and subprolate shapes predominated in most species, and most pollen grains had outline triangular to subtriangular. Polyads, tetrads and monads were observed, and the aperture arrangement varied from inarperturate to colpate and colporate, with the majority being 3-colporate and having a reticulate sexine. The species documented will contribute to pollen flora of Brazil and the information used in melissopalynollogical studies.

Contribution of Morphoanatomic Characters to the Taxonomy of the Genus LAELIA (Orchidaceae) in Mexico and Their Implication in Environmental Adaptation

The Laeliinae Subtribe (Epidendroideae-Orchidaceae) is exclusively Neotropical, composed of 43 genera and 1466 species, presenting great floral and vegetative diversity. The genus Laelia has restricted geographic distribution, with species in Brazil and Mexico. However, in molecular studies, the Brazilian species have not been included despite remarkably similar floral structures in both Mexican and Brazilian groups of species. The main objective of the present study is to analyze vegetative structural characters of 12 species of Laelia in Mexico to find similarities to recognize them as a taxonomic group and their relationship with possible ecological adaptations. This work supports the proposal to recognize 12 species of Laelias from Mexico as a taxonomic group (except for the new species recognized as Laelia dawsonii J. Anderson), since a strong similarity was found, translated by 90% of structural characters shared by the Mexican Laelias, given the relationship between the structural characters and the altitudinal distribution in which the groups of Mexican Laelias species are found. We propose that Laelias of Mexico be recognized as a taxonomic group and their structural characteristics allow for better understanding of adaptation of species to their environment.

Where are they from and where are they going? Detecting areas of endemism, distribution patterns and conservation status of the order Spirostreptida in Brazil (Diplopoda, Juliformia)

Millipedes are well-known for their limited dispersal abilities with species restricted to mountains, islands, and patches of forest being important models for formulating and testing biogeographic hypotheses. The order Spirostreptida is composed of nearly 1300 species distributed across the Afrotropical, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. The order is divided into the suborders Cambalidea and Spirostreptidea with the families Pseudonannolenidae (Cambalidea) and Spirostreptidae (Spirostreptidea) occurring in Brazil. To date, there have been no studies on the biogeography of Neotropical Spirostreptida. We employed a multi-approach analysis with Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity, Endemicity Analysis, and Infomap, to detect areas of endemism and patterns of distribution of the order in Brazil. Six areas of endemism are proposed for the 133 Brazilian species: Northern Serra Geral, Southeastern mountain ranges, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest zone, Eastern Cerrado and Serra do Espinhaço, Pantanal, and Southern Amazon and Cerrado zone. Most endemic areas fall within the Atlantic Forest, which has been previously shown to be an important area of endemism for many invertebrate taxa. The richest biomes are the Atlantic Forest with 75 species and the Cerrado with 55 species, while the least rich biomes are the Caatinga with six species and the Pampa with three species. Although the southeastern region of Brazil has the highest species richness, it also has the highest concentration of threatened species. Based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, most Brazilian Spirostreptida are either endangered or critically endangered, with the highest concentration of endangered taxa occurring in the Atlantic Forest biome.